Find your village on social media

More seniors are using social media to stay in touch with their children, grandchildren, relatives and friends. Pew Research Center writers Monica Anderson and Andrew Perrin point out that while the majority of seniors are not active on social media, this is changing. Anderson and Perrin explain: “34% of Americans ages 65 and up say they use social networking sites like Facebook or Twitter. This represents a seven-point increase from 2013, when 27% of older adults reported using social media.”

Increasingly, seniors recognize that social media can be a powerful tool for communication, which can help them feel connected and engaged. Loneliness and feelings of isolation can be hard on one’s mental and physical health. This can be difficult for seniors, especially those who are caregivers for a spouse, family member or friend. In an article David Frank wrote for AARP, the author explains that one of three American adults, age 45 and older, experience loneliness; those who are unpaid caregivers are 8 percent more likely to report feeling lonely.

Social media engagement is not a cure-all for loneliness, but it is a tool that can help foster connection. Here’s what you need to know.

The social media confidence gap
Many seniors report feeling interested in learning more about what they can do via social media, but they are hesitant to adopt an unfamiliar technology. Anderson and Perrin explain: “[J]ust 26% of internet users ages 65 and over say they feel very confident when using computers, smartphones or other electronic devices to do the things they need to do online, according to a 2015 Pew Research Center survey. Roughly one-third describe themselves as only a little (23%) or not at all (11%) confident in their ability to use electronic devices to do necessary online activities.”

Technology has developed rapidly, and for those who haven’t kept pace with that evolution, it can seem off-putting to try to get up to speed. But just like learning any new skill, you can take it one step at a time and evolve your social media skill set slowly.

Plus, your Visiting Angels caregiver can help. Our Social Care program gives clients the chance to work with a Visiting Angels expert who can help you get up to speed when it comes to tech. This way, you can have the one-on-one support you need, as you work at your own pace.

Privacy concerns
While getting in touch with friends and family may sound exciting, you may have concerns about your online identity, especially when you read about scams and scandals that lead to hacks and privacy infringement.

While these threats are worrisome, especially for those just learning to use the technology, staying safe online is just like staying safe in public. It requires understanding the dangers and mindfully avoiding them. There’s plenty of help and resources to use as you develop your social media savvy; for example, AARP offers helpful tips for seniors. If you start slow and take your time to learn about security each step of the way, you can navigate around potential pitfalls as you adopt your social media presence.

Finding your village
Social media does not solve the problem of loneliness, but it does provide a helpful tool to use to build your network and forge connection with your tribe. This can be satisfying and confidence building. Starting your day by seeing what the grandchildren are up to or what your high school classmates are planning can give you a laugh and remind you of all the wonderful people to whom you are connected. It also gives you an outlet to share your great news, pictures, insights and updates.

There’s no replacing face-to-face time. But having a variety of connection points is valuable and meaningful. Social media connection can bring happiness, engagement and satisfaction. It’s worth exploring.